Natural World Safaris

The wildlife & natural world experts

At Natural World Safaris, we are former wildlife safari guides and specialists in the Natural World, ensuring you get up close and personal with the wildlife in question whilst promoting responsible travel and supporting local conservation projects. Whilst comfort is essential, our focus is on experiential luxury rather than crisp white linen and crystal glassware. We can do both, but there is no point in staying in a luxury lodge if there is nothing to see! Whilst the majority of our safaris are tailored to your specific requirements - whether you are a family looking for adventure or honeymooners looking for some relaxation - we also excel in specialist set departures.

To have a chat with one of our specialists and for your ultimate wildlife holiday please get in touch.

We would be more than happy to assist in tailoring your journey into the extraordinary.

Natural World Safaris Showreel

Named as one of our Global Top Travel Specialists for 2019, Will Bolsover is Founder & CEO of bespoke wildlife travel outfitter Natural World Safaris. Will leads his team with true passion and an endless enthusiasm for enabling guests to discover the wonders of nature.

Safari Information and Inspiration

Take a look through the blogs and articles below for a selection of wildlife facts, travel news, trip reports from the NWS team, and stories from our clients as they explore the globe. Discover what makes a brilliant safari and find new ideas for your own adventure. All you need to do is get in touch with us to begin your journey.

Featured safaris

Small Group Safari

Kenya Photographic Safari with Ami Vitale

Join renowned photojournalist Ami Vitale on this exclusive safari set in one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations: the Masai Mara. Search the bush for prides of lions, enjoy the pleasures of Rekero Camp and hone your photography skills under Ami’s expert tutelage.

Swim with Killer Whales under the Northern Lights

Join us for an exclusive safari on board the M/V Kinfish; together with your expert team, you'll take your expedition ship to the wild waters off the Norwegian coast, allowing you to swim alongside orcas and humpbacks whales. Under the Arctic skies, you'll also have a chance to see the magical Northern Lights.

Siberian Tiger Safari

Madagascar & Mauritius Island Hopping

On this incredible journey through both Madagascar and Mauritius there is a brilliant balance between the active and relaxed, and between land wildlife (lemurs, chameleons and giant tortoises) and the marine world (dolphins, whales and snorkelling). The perfect way to enjoy the natural world.

where to go in 2019 and beyond

Whether you want to venture somewhere different, tick something off your bucket list or encounter a new species, our unique safaris put you in the right place at the right time for incredible wildlife experiences.

In a shrinking world that is increasingly tamed by human activity, we continue to push the boundaries of travel by exploring remote locales as well as lesser-known parts of established safari destinations, all to experience the thrill of the extraordinary.

In 2019, we’ll be heading to the verdant wetlands of Botswana in the company of renowned photojournalist Ami Vitale, whose experience, expertise and journalistic credentials will help you capture impactful images on safari. Over in Madagascar, whale shark researcher Stella Diamant will be leading a pioneering new expedition to swim with the largest fish in the ocean. Travellers can also experience the "Red Island" on our much-praised Madagascar Small Group Safari, a 15-day itinerary that crosses the country from East to West.

You can also join Canon Ambassador Pier Aerts on his quest for the jaguar of the Brazilian Pantanal, the best place in the world for reliable sightings of this majestic big cat. Photographers will be able to learn from Pie’s expertise on our October departure. If you like your predators a little larger, why not take part in our Kamchatka safari in Far East Russia, home to stunning unspoilt landscapes, over 150 volcanoes (both active and dormant) and thousands of brown bears.

These are just a sample of the exciting small group departures we have planned over the next two years, but if you’re looking to craft your own adventure, our expert Destination Specialists can create a bespoke itinerary that’s tailor-made for you. Coming face to face with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, spotting grizzly bears in Alaska and searching for pumas in Patagonia are just some of the safaris that you can embark upon in 2019 and beyond.

An obsession with wildlife, exemplary destination knowledge and exceptional customer service has positioned Natural World Safaris as leaders in the field of wildlife exploration.

The Daily Telegraph

Natural World Safaris specialise in places that have not yet been manicured for the masses – the last blank spaces, the final frontiers.

India Dowley, Suitcase Magazine

I have really enjoyed working with NWS. Even with a BBC Natural History team, there is no certainty that you are going to find what you are looking for, but this was a completely stand-out wildlife-watching experience.

Natural World Safaris is a marvel for first-hand knowledge of destinations.

Condé Nast Traveller Magazine

Natural World Safaris is at the forefront of wildlife exploration. With top-notch guides, slick itineraries and access to some of the world’s most remote regions, this is the company to take you into the wilderness.

Lizzie Pook, The Daily Telegraph

Thank you so much for joining your adventurous spirit with ours and supporting The Animal Ball in the most brilliant way! It's clear how instrumental your support was, and is, to our cause and for giving our Animal Ball attendees the hope of animal adventures. You are true connectors, thank you!

Elephant Family - The Animal Ball 22.11.16

The trip exceeded expectations. We saw nine of the ten primate species, all of the hornbills, and some extraordinary invertebrates: indeed I would count it as the most rewarding rainforest experience I've ever had. Wonderful!

We give you a ring-side seat to documentary-worthy wildlife encounters around the world. Travel to remote locations with expert guides to be in the right place at the right time to maximise your opportunities.

NWS were great; I love them. My trip worked like a dream, and the Vamoos app makes everything incredibly easy to remember.

Lisa Grainger, The Times Luxx Magazine

Natural World Safaris one of the foremost specialists in the natural world. They put you in the right place at the right time for extraordinary wildlife experiences, while promoting responsible travel and supporting local conservation projects.

Telegraph Travel

Lunch is set for us amid the glory of the expansive earth, underneath a grey-headed social weaver tree. “I think I could live here forever,” I muse aloud.

Waris Ahluwalia, writing from Kenya in Porter Magazine

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Where to go when

The Destination Specialists

Natural World Safaris is a specialist tour operator with a focus on wildlife, creating extraordinary journeys that put clients in the heart of the natural world. Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground-knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell.

Extensive on the ground knowledge

Through our extensive knowledge of these destinations, our team of specialists will guide you through the entire process, and will be there to support you throughout your journey.

We are the wildlife experts

We deliver some of the most immersive experiences available in the natural world. Our focus is on ensuring our clients are in the right place at the right time for the best wildlife viewing experiences available.

We know when, where and how

Whether you want to trek deep jungles in search of primates, fly over savannah plains, explore frozen polar landscapes or strip off to unwind in luxury on a white sand beach. We know how to make the most of your natural world experience.

David Yarrow & Natural World Safaris

We are thrilled to be working with internationally acclaimed fine-art photographer David Yarrow, who has developed a reputation for capturing the natural world in breathtaking images and photographing some of the world’s most endangered species. David travelled with us to the remote Subantarctic island of South Georgia in 2018, but he has also led two NWS expeditions to Svalbard, in 2017 and 2019. One particular polar bear photo from one of these collaborations fetched an astonishing £81,250 at auction – you can learn about it here.

“I have, to date, only led trips with Natural World Safaris as it is a partnership that works well,” says David. “NWS are a class outfit and are constant in their pursuit of excellence. They do not compromise and neither do I.”

Jonathan Lee, a guest on our most recent Svalbard expedition with David, had this to say about his experience: “Nothing really prepares you for an expedition of this sort – it was something truly special. The combination of a best-in-class operator in Natural World Safaris, a master of his craft in David Yarrow, and a small group of individuals from different corners of the globe, made for an experience like no other... When I look back at images from this expedition (which I do constantly) I am repeatedly amazed."

Natural World Safaris and David Yarrow knew what kind of expedition they wanted to put together, and I am so grateful that I did not miss the opportunity to be a part of it.

David Yarrow in South Georgia

In October 2018, after nearly a year in the making, NWS Founder & CEO Will Bolsover swapped the shores of the UK for the remote windswept island of South Georgia, a British Overseas Territory lying just over 7,500 miles away from London. Will was hosting NWS specialist leader and fine-art photographer David Yarrow, who was travelling to South Georgia to document the natural spectacles on show. This is a land of stunning mountain ranges and unspoiled beaches strewn with fur seal colonies, battling elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of king penguins.

Joining Will and David were Abraham Joffe ACS, Dom West and Louis Cooper-Robinson, who together form Untitled Filmworks, the team behind the acclaimed Netflix series Tales by Light. Their new video follows David’s creative process as he steps ashore amidst some of the most mind-blowing wildlife scenes anywhere in the world, and Natural World Safaris were there every step of the way.

Produced by Untitled Filmworks (Abraham Joffe ACS, Dom West and Louis Cooper-Robinson).

Some of our reviews

Margherita F.

We just got back from our Kenyan honeymoon and loved every minute of it! Our Destination Specialist Ellen was great and created the perfect itinerary for us! Overall the safaris were amazing, especially at the Naboisho Conservancy. It is very vast and diverse so we had plenty to see on all four of the nights there. We also enjoyed relaxing on the beach after a long safari, where our hotel was beautiful inside and out, and the food was very good. NWS are the most incredible safari experts! Thank you so much for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Tailor-made Kenya Safari

5 out of 5

Dave and Julie B

This has been without a shadow of a doubt the best holiday we have ever been on, the best place we have ever been too and some of the nicest people we have ever met.

Tailor-made Kenya Safari

5 out of 5

Colm V.

NWS have a 3/3 track record of setting the right expectations and then delivering to what's promised. Very impressive for wildlife holidays.

Madagascar Wildlife Safari

5 out of 5

Charles & Margarita K.

My wife would rate the trip an 11 out of 10 – it exceeded our expectations! Meeting at the Delhi airport was great, as were the services on departure. Several small details like the dress and manner of the local guide who met us, the good seats on the internal flight and the cleanliness of the vehicles used in transporting from airport to the camps and back were all first class. What we really enjoyed were the staff, meals and facilities of Kanha Camp as well as the Tree House at Bandhavgarh. Both were very well designed for the environment as well as staffed by informed and very hospitable guides. Quality of the meals at Tree Top as well as evening activities were very well worth it. We were fortunate enough to see tigers close up in both locations – truly a memorable trip.

TAILOR-MADE INDIA SAFARI

5 out of 5

Amit P.

The trip was out of this world, it went well beyond my expectations and then some! From the wildlife, hospitality, logistics and people I couldn’t have wished for anything better.

Antarctica Photography Expedition

5 out of 5

Margery R.

From the first contact with NWS to the end of the trip, everything was perfect. Harriet at NWS was always very responsive to my questions. The trip itself was awesome - the level of service was excellent and I didn't have to worry about a thing. All the pre-departure information was comprehensive and the lodgings were great. The guides were friendly, professional, informative and safety-conscious. I enjoyed seeing the different parks and experiencing the different landscapes of the country, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Madagascar. I saw and did everything I wanted and more. I am so glad I booked with NWS - they really made my trip effortless!

Madagascar Wildlife Safari

5 out of 5

Jonathan P.

Still in Bombay as I write. I was, I confess, sceptical about the idea of an extended family trip to India. I have been here before. I was wrong. We have had a superb holiday and were looked after all the way. Since I well know just how easy it is to make things work smoothly here I am doubly impressed at what you put together and your choice of team. I have taken the liberty of recommending you.

TAILORMADE INDIA TIGER SAFARI

5 out of 5

Elizabeth.

The accommodation was amazing. We even had the honeymoon suite in one place. What more could you ask for at 60 years old! Finca Rosa Blanca just outside San Jose was really amazing and we just wished we had stayed longer in each place. All transfer pick ups etc were brilliant. Guides/drivers etc were either on time or early. Attention to detail was fantastic and anytime I phoned for information Tom was always there to help.

Tailor-made Costa Rica wildlife Safari

5 out of 5

Melanie & Chris B.

We had a wonderful time - the Welgevonden is just a magical place, the undisputed highlight of our 19 days in South Africa, and our lodge was perfect for us too. I am SO emotional when it comes to animals that I am still welling up daily as I think of them all - their incredible markings, textures on skin, coats, eyes and lashes and those ever so slightly discernible noises, e.g. a baby rhino asking for mother’s milk and her obliging. Chris and I will remember our special time in the Welgevonden for many years to come. Thank you for all your help in making it all happen.

Tailor-made South Africa Safari

5 out of 5

Darren J

This trip was incredible. We saw the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and scenery. We were blessed with amazing weather, and loads of wildlife sightings. All accommodation was just as we expected, and service everywhere was exceptional. Harriet's prompt phone call to Australia shortly after we inquired online was an early sign that NWS was on their A game. Fantastic service guys. NWS local knowledge is also exceptional - we would totally trust NWS to build another itinerary.

Tailor-made Sri Lanka Safari

5 out of 5

Chris R.

Information provided was comprehensive and the trip matched up to that information really well. Our guide, George, traveled with us all the way and was excellent in every respect - friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and passionate. The specialist guides on certain treks were also of a really high quality.

TAILOR-MADE UGANDA GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI

4 out of 5

Jim H.

Loved Oliver's Campground. Gibbs Farm was also excellent but I don't think it fits the mindset for a 'camping safari'. I prefer the tent camping. The safari and game drives were more than we expected - we saw every animal in Tanzania and witnessed up close and personal some very interesting behaviors. The tent accommodations were luxurious and Gibbs Farm was over the top. Food was excellent and hard to believe it could be prepared so well in the middle of Africa.

TAILOR-MADE TANZANIA WILDLIFE SAFARI

5 out of 5

John A.

Excellent. Our guides Eric and Doug made the trip informative and enjoyable. Kenny, Sam and Les on the drift boats also played their part. NWS is well organised -excellent staff with good local and environmental knowledge.

Small Group Grizzly bear safari in Canada

5 out of 5

Brooke W.

Traveled to Norway to swim with Orca Whales. The trip was incredible. Very nicely put together. The guide, Patrick was absolutely amazing. Very knowledgable, great to be around, and made the trip fun and exciting! Gemma at NWS was very reachable and informative. Was easy to get questions answered and quickly.

Swimming with Killer Whales and Humpbacks in Norway

5 out of 5

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Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry.